Three WKU student were awarded Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) scholarships for study abroad in the Fall 2023 application cycle. The recipients were offered scholarships for study abroad in Germany, South Korea, and Tanzania for the Winter 2023/24 and Spring 2024 terms. All three students were also previously recognized by the Gilman Scholarship for study abroad. 

The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) makes life-changing international education experiences accessible to all by supporting minority and first-generation college students underrepresented in U.S. study abroad. This application cycle, 90% of awarded scholars identify as students of color, and 88% are first-generation college students.

Juanito (JC) Guzman-Perkins of Glasgow is the son of Amanda Perkins. He is a recipient of the Gateway International Group Scholarship. He is a religious studies major with a minor in Chinese and a certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). He received the scholarship to study religion in South Korea in Winter 2024. After graduating, he plans to teach English in South Korea.

Ko Meh of Bowling Green is the daughter of Seh Reh and Lu Meh. She is a recipient of the Gateway International Group Scholarship. A healthcare administration major, she earned the scholarship to study in Tanzania in Winter 2023/24, where she completed international healthcare coursework. After graduating, she will pursue a career in healthcare.

Braxton Turner of Bowling Green is a recipient of the AIFS Access Partner Scholarship. A finance and management double major with a concentration in global business, he earned the scholarship to study international business in Germany in Spring 2024. He plans to pursue a career in international finance after graduating from WKU.

All of the students recognized worked with Will Randolph, Specialist for Nationally Competitive Opportunities in the Office of Scholar Development at WKU, to prepare their applications. 

Students interested in studying abroad are encouraged to seek scholarship funding early, as students who plan one year in advance maximize their scholarship potential. To explore possibilities for study abroad, students are encouraged to work with WKU Global to find the best study abroad program to fit their goals and the WKU Office of Scholar Development to seek nationally competitive scholarships. Students studying abroad in Summer and Fall 2024 can apply for the latest FEA cycle until February 7, 2024.

About the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA): FEA awards many different types of scholarships, including named scholarships that are funded by specific donors and designated scholarships that are destination- or demographic-specific. FEA’s mission is to provide scholarships and ongoing support to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are underrepresented among the U.S. study abroad population.

About the Office of Scholar Development (OSD): The Office of Scholar Development is committed to helping WKU students in all majors and degree programs develop the vision, experience and skills to be independent, engaged scholars. OSD welcomes the opportunity to work with students interested in nationally competitive scholarships.

About WKU Global: WKU Global serves the WKU community by engaging students, faculty and staff in diverse, educational and cultural experiences through faculty-led, exchange, consortia and other study abroad opportunities.

Contact: Will Randolph, will.randolph@wku.edu